Kris Bryant Reflects on Cubs' 2016 World Series Comeback

The former MVP shares a personal story from the team's historic rally against the Indians.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a baseball player swinging a bat, with the ball blurred and breaking apart into overlapping shapes and planes of color.Kris Bryant's game-changing home run during the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series comeback is captured in a cubist, deconstructed painting.Chicago Today

In a new podcast interview, former Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant opened up about a personal challenge he faced during the team's 2016 World Series comeback against the Cleveland Indians. Bryant revealed he had to take his sick mother to the emergency room just hours before Game 5, where the Cubs were trailing 3-1 in the series. Despite the lack of sleep, Bryant hit a crucial home run that helped spark the Cubs' historic rally to win their first championship in 108 years.

Why it matters

Bryant's candid story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personal struggles elite athletes sometimes face while competing at the highest levels. His willingness to be vulnerable humanizes the star player and offers insight into the mental toughness required to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

The details

Just hours before Game 5 of the 2016 World Series, with the Cubs trailing 3-1, Kris Bryant had to take his sick mother to the emergency room at 5 a.m. He didn't get back to the team hotel until around 7 a.m., leaving him with only about 6-7 hours of sleep before the pivotal game. Despite the personal challenge, Bryant went on to hit a crucial home run that helped the Cubs start their historic comeback to win the championship, ending their 108-year drought.

  • On the morning of Game 5 (October 30, 2016), Bryant took his mother to the emergency room around 5 a.m.
  • Bryant returned to the team hotel around 7 a.m., getting 6-7 hours of sleep before the game.

The players

Kris Bryant

The 2016 National League MVP and star third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, who hit a crucial home run during the team's historic World Series comeback.

David Ross

The former Cubs catcher and manager who is now co-hosting a podcast with Anthony Rizzo.

Anthony Rizzo

The former Cubs first baseman who is now co-hosting a podcast with David Ross.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Probably Game 5, like the homer (Bryant hit a home run in Game 5 of the series). I told you guys last night what I was going through before that night. So my Mom was sick. She was just, like, 'I need to go get something.' So we went to the E.R. at like five in the morning, and I was there until like seven in the morning with my Mom before Game 5... In my mind I'm like, you want to say you believe... We're down 3-1, it's gonna be really hard. You know what I mean? And I was like, I'm gonna be there for my Mom... It was around Halloween, I think it was a Saturday.”

— Kris Bryant, Former Cubs Player

What’s next

Bryant's story provides a unique perspective on the personal challenges elite athletes can face, even during the biggest moments of their careers. As he continues his career with the Colorado Rockies, it will be interesting to see if Bryant can draw on this experience to help guide younger players through adversity.

The takeaway

Kris Bryant's candid revelation about having to take his sick mother to the emergency room just hours before a pivotal World Series game in 2016 humanizes the star player and offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles top athletes sometimes face. Despite the lack of sleep, Bryant's heroic home run helped spark the Cubs' historic comeback, underscoring the mental toughness required to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.